Suddenly in demand: Mikelbrencis faces huge test in Munich | OneFootball

For the first time this season, William Mikelbrencis is likely to be in HSV’s starting eleven against Bayern. The toughest possible challenge awaits.

In fact, William Mikelbrencis was only a squad player in the first weeks of this Bundesliga season. But after Giorgi Gocholeishvili’s yellow-red suspension against FC St. Pauli (0:2), the 21-year-old could move into the starting lineup on Saturday evening (6:30 p.m., Sky), of all places, for the away game in Munich.

Coach Merlin Polzin already hinted at this personnel decision during the press conference. “It’s no secret that, due to Giorgi’s suspension, Willi is candidate number one,” said Polzin. Although the 34-year-old also mentioned alternatives such as Bakery Jatta, Fabio Baldé, or Noah Katterbach, Mikelbrencis holds the best cards.

For the right-back, it would be a chance to play his way back into the spotlight after two brief appearances. In the second half of last season’s promotion campaign, he fought his way into the starting lineup and, despite occasional wobbles, contributed to HSV’s success. Polzin knows this too, and praised: “Willi has shown that he can be an uncomfortable defender, who still brings power and energy to his attacking play.”

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Mikelbrencis challenged by superstar Díaz

Against Bayern’s raw attacking power, those very attributes will be urgently needed. Because Mikelbrencis is likely to face €75-million new signing Luis Díaz in the Allianz Arena. A mammoth task for the young defender!

However, his starting spot is not set in stone yet. Polzin recalled the mixed friendly against Hannover, when Mikelbrencis did not convince him. “I told him that as well,” reported the coach. But at least: In this week’s training sessions, the Frenchman showed a good reaction. Now it’s up to the youngster himself: Did he deliver the final necessary proof in the last training session?

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.